According to Google, almost 60% small business owners don’t have a website because they think that either it’s too complex, expensive or way too time consuming. To combat that, Google has launched a new platform within GMB (Google My Business) that lets business owners create a website within minutes.
Google is offering a FREE single page website bundled with all the GMB tools. However, it’s not for those who are willing to have at least 5-10 pages (which is recommended btw). It’s just a very basic webpage, where one can list their business name, tagline, few images, content, contact information, timing and directions. Here’s an example – http://indonesiahandicraftsupplier.business.site. It will be difficult to even impress your prospect clients with this website, let alone generating trust.
Now, if there is a verified listing in GMB, the data for hours, driving directions & business name as well as photos will be automatically inserted into the web page. Any changes to the GMB will also auto-flow to the web page.
We feel the product is not really a replacement for a full blown multi page website but it can be a reasonable play for a business that has a social only presence but wants more exposure in local search.
Although you can buy a customized domain from Google – little better than using business.site domain, it will still lack that WOW factor. The product lacks a number of obvious features like social sharing buttons, structured data, control over title tags & meta-descriptions and an easy way to create a call to action button. Also, when a user clicks on your uploaded image, they will be redirected to Google Photos, an instant curiosity killer!
As of now there are close to 200K website developed, which can be confirmed by searching this in Google – “site:business.site“. Over the past several days, sites have been coming on-line at the rate of about 1500 per day.
The product isn’t an obvious knockout win. While it may be of value in developing countries, it is not at all clear what value it will provide in the US were websites are the norm and can be built inexpensively.
What do you think?